Hubballi: Though North Karnataka region has received record pre-monsoon showers this year, several districts in the region are facing drought triggering various religious practices to appease the rain god. Sowing operation has not been taken up in several districts owing to scanty rainfall in June.
Due to this, people are seeking divine intervention by performing several rituals including marriages of donkeys, frogs and dolls. Gadag and Bagalkot districts are worst affected as ground water has receded considerably owing to recurring drought since the last few years.
Bagalkot district has received merely 51 mm rainfall as against normal rainfall of 77 mm in June. Due to this, sowing operation has been undertaken only in 20 percent of the total rain-fed agricultural land. Gadag district also received 69.1 mm rainfall as against 85 mm normal showers. Due to this, the people of every household in many villages have offered a pot of water to the goddess for five Tuesdays before taking up sowing operation to invoke the rain god.
They have performed a popular tradition called 'Udi Tumbuvadu' by offering saree, coconut, betelnut and leaf to the Goddess. The villagers believe this will rid them of diseases and will bring prosperity. There is a tradition among these rural folk to stop cooking for a few days and perform pooja to the village tanks.
"Bagalkot district received abundant rainfall in March and April. Now the drastic decline in rainfall has created panic among farmers. Sowing operation is undertaken only in 21,000 hectares of land out of total 94,000 hectares rain-fed land in the district. We have taken all measures to guide the farmers to cultivate alternative crops. We are also providing training about methods to protect the crop if the rain fails", agriculture department joint director M.H. Bantanal said.
